After the Bears laid another brick in their defensive rebuilding project Thursday night when they selected Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller 14th overall in the NFL draft, they turned their attention to their remaining needs and Friday's second and third rounds.

That should bring them back to their defense, specifically safety and three-technique tackle. Four safeties were drafted in the first round Thursday, which forces the Bears to contend with a lack of quality depth in this year's class.

General manager Phil Emery last week said necessity prompted the Bears to evaluate cornerbacks extensively who might be versatile enough to play some safety.

"We have looked at them from all angles because there is a drop-off in perceived level of ability between the first few safeties and the next grouping," Emery said.

That leaves the Florida State duo of Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner as the best safety prospects remaining.

Brooks is fast, aggressive and physical, but he was an inconsistent tackler with ball skills that didn't consistently produce interceptions. Joyner, who measured only 5 feet 8 at the NFL scouting combine, has sharp instincts. His character and work ethic are highly regarded, but his height raises questions about his ability to succeed as an NFL safety.

Knowing how Emery values the defensive line, it would not be surprising if the Bears drafted a three-technique Friday with the 51st- or 82nd-overall picks.

"To myself and to our staff, the defensive line has more impact overall in the defense than any single position because that's where it all starts," Emery said last week. "That's where it starts in terms of stopping the run and that's where it starts in terms of rushing the passer."

Florida State's Timmy Jernigan headlines a group of available defensive tackle prospects that stand out. He's known for using his strength and footwork to hold the point against the run, but he's not an established pass rusher. Jernigan failed a drug test at the combine, Fox Sports reported Monday, which could precipitate a fall.

Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman, at 6-6, 310 pounds, is known as a boom-or-bust prospect. He overpowered blockers in college at times, but his production was inconsistent.

After the Bears picked Fuller, Emery was asked whether he's inclined to take a defensive lineman on Day 2.

"If I told you that, you wouldn't have any reason to come back for the next two days," he said with a sly smile. "We'll let it unfold."